Women fed up with abuses
By ELIZBETH VUVU
WOMEN in East New Britain are fed up with the on-going sexual abuses and violence committed against them and children and especially pornography, reported to be rife in the province, and took to the streets of Kokopo yesterday in protest.
About 500 women, young and old from far and wide including the Duke of York Islands, took part in the march in a show of solidarity against such acts.
The Duke of York Islands women were transported into Kokopo in 10 motorised banana boats.
Dressed in respective meri-blouses from each district and religion and armed with banners and placards, the women hit the Kokopo four- lane in a peaceful protest march at 11:30 am to show their male counterparts that they were fed up with domestic violence, sex crimes and abuses against them and the children.
They were particularly concerned about the pornography issue which had been a topic of much attention in recent times in the province.
Mrs Elizabeth Konmil of Dove Sanctuary, who spearheaded the march said it was about time the male population took heed to the women and children’s pleas and change their attitude for a better community and the country as a whole.
She said the theme of the protest march, “Cry of ENB mothers marching to Christ for Christ” is a great challenge to the males of our society to make a stand and help eradicate the problem faced by the women and children.
“We realise we cannot fight the issues in court because it is lengthy and costly. We are trying to get the message across to rapists and men who bash their wives that God loves and cares for them,” she said.
Mrs Konmil said the only way to turn away from these problems is to put our trust in God.
Catholic nuns, CIS officers and members of the police force also took part in the march.
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